176 Ilississipjji Valley Horticultural Society. 



found profitable to our Southern growers wherever they may succeed. Tlie 

 Ives and Concord are generally considered the most productive, at least as 

 far South as Cairo, perhaps farther. The best package is one not exceeding 

 ten pounds; the shape and material a matter of choice with the shipper, yet 

 often it is controlled by the usage in the selling markets, of which your com- 

 mission merchant will better inform you. 



I refer to a few vegetables which need special care in packing and trans- 

 portation to secure " paying prices." Green peas bring the best prices in 

 boxes not exceeding a half bushel, fairly ventilated, but not too open to let 

 the contents waste out. To bring the best prices and quick sales, they must 

 be fresh and of good green color; when wilted or discolored they sell very 

 slow, if at all. If in larger packages, and on the road two or three days, they 

 become heated and worthless. 



String beans also occupy a similar place in our list as the pea, and usually 

 reach the Northern markets in fair condition. The round bean commands 

 the best price. 



I shall say but little about tomatoes; but of one thing be assured, that 

 crooked, knotty and rough specimens should not be packed at all. The 

 third-bushel box is generally considered the best, and is used almost to the 

 exclusion of all other packages. 



Potatoes, for the Southern grower, have become a croji of very large pro- 

 portions and remunerative. For the earliest, the third-bushel box max be 

 used, and, when so fully matured that the skin will not peel or bruise, 

 then the barrel, holding three bushels (the emjjty flour barrel is used to ad- 

 vantage), and well ventilated, will prove satisfactory. Early Ohio, Beauty of 

 Hebron and Early Rose best suit the trade. 



Cucumbers are a croi^ of no small importance, are easily raised and bear 

 transportatir.n better than some vegetables. They must be of uniform, fair 

 size, smooth, and green in color ; if at all yellow when they reach market they 

 are not sought after. The White Spine variety, above all others for use in 

 the green state, is, most largely grown. The earliest maybe sent in small 

 packages. For the crop, the same package as for potatoes, well ventilated, 

 will prove good and economical. 



It seems needless to add that absolute honesty in packing all your fruits and 

 vegetables is essential to success with no small or inferior specimens; but 

 rather make three grades. First, the best end of the crop ; second, that of fiiir 

 quality and size; and, lastly, the inferior, which is to be discarded entirely 

 from your shipping packages. 



Mark your two shipping grades so your commission merchant will 

 know at a glance the contents, and be able to secure you full market prices, 

 and frequently a little more. 



Never pack fruit or vegetables you would not be willing to buj'. With 

 absolute honesty we must combine an inherent love for horticulture, to- 

 gether with a reasonable share of regard for the " root of all evil," not omit- 

 ting your good name, which is more to be desired than great riches. With 



